STARS NEED A MESSIAH:Okumbi has stood up, but is he that miracle worker?

Kenya Harambee Stars Coach Stanley Okumbi against Mozambique's Black Mambas during their friendly match at Kasarani Stadium on Saturday 12/11/16.Kenya won 1-0.PHOTO:BONIFACE OKENDO

Nobody gave Stanley Okumbi a chance when he took over the Harambee Stars coaching job from Scot Bobby Williamson in February 2016.

Just like Arsene Wenger when he arrived at Arsenal 20 years ago, many questioned Okumbi’s credibility.

The 35-year old’s appointment was criticised from all quarters with the criticism increasing after a gambled selection in a twin 1-0 defeat to Guinea Bissau that dented Kenya’s 2017 AFCON qualification hopes. But like a father to a son, Football Kenya Federation stood by him.

“The fans are on my neck and that is why we need to win today,” Okumbi said ahead of Kenya’s 2-1 victory over Congo in that dead rubber Group E Africa Cup of Nations qualifier at Kasarani Stadium, on June 5.

However, nine months later, three wins, four draws and two losses, the former Mathare United coach is proving to be the right man to bring back Harambee Stars’ mojo.

He has achieved what many recent national team coaches including foreigners have failed to do.

Although it may be premature to commend Okumbi, it is good to give credit where it is due as more fans are now starting to believe in him.

At first glance it looked impossible, but having extended his unbeaten run to seven games after Saturday’s 1-0 victory over the Black Mambas of Mozambique, whether with ugly wins or not, Okumbi is slowly reviving the national team’s enthusiasm.